Famous knuckleballers

The release of the movie Knuckleball!, which features former Red Sox player Tim Wakefield, casts a new spotlight on the mysterious craft, which can befuddle hitters, prolong careers, and is practiced by only a few. Here’s a look at some of baseball’s most famous knuckleballers through the years.
Next

AP

<b>Tim Wakefield</b><br>Wakefield announced his retirement in February of 2012 after 17 seasons with the Red Sox. The knuckleballer is the third winningest pitcher in team history, finishing his career with a record of 200-180 with a 4.41 ERA in 627 appearances.
Next

AP

<b>R.A. Dickey</b><br>The 37-year-old Mets righthander is enjoying the finest of his major-league seasons in 2012, with an 18-6 record. His previous best was 11 wins in 2010. He also pitched for the Rangers, Mariners and Twins.
Next

AP

<b>Charlie Hough</b><br>Hough made his major league debut in 1970 with the Dodgers, and went on to pitch 25 seasons with the Dodgers, Rangers, White Sox and Marlins from 1970 to 1994. Hough’s career record was an even 216-216 with a career ERA of 3.75.
Next

MLB Photos via Getty Images

<b>Joe Niekro</b><br>One of two knuckleballing brothers, Joe Niekro spent 22 years in the majors with the Tigers, Braves, Astros, Yankees and Twins. He went 221-204 with a 3.59 ERA.
Next

Barry Chin/The Boston Globe

<b>Phil Niekro</b><br>Phil Niekro’s knuckleball landed him in the Hall of Fame. He spent 24 years with the Braves, Yankees, Indians and Blue Jays from 1964 to 1987. He had a 318-274 record and an ERA of 3.35.
Next

AP

<b>Hoyt Wilhelm</b><br>Another Hall of Famer, Wilhelm played in 1,070 games from 1952 to 1972 for the New York Giants, Cardinals, Indians, Orioles, White Sox, Angels, Braves, Cubs and Dodgers. He went 143-122 and had an ERA of 2.52.
Next

Getty Images

<b>Wilbur Wood</b><br>The lefthander started his career with the Red Sox in 1961 and played three full seasons in Boston before being purchased by the Pirates in September of 1964. He also played 12 seasons for the White Sox before ending his career in 1978. He was 164-156 with a 3.24 ERA.
Next

Sporting News via Getty Images

<b>Jim Bouton</b><br>Bouton, who turned to knuckleballing later in his career, was the author of the book “Ball Four.” He pitched for the Yankees, Seattle Pilots, Astros, and Braves from 1962 to 1970 and went 62-63 with a 3.57 ERA.
Next

Getty Images

<b>Tom Candiotti</b><br>Nicknamed “The Candy Man,” Candiotti spent 16 years in the majors from 1983 to 1999, playing for the Brewers, Indians, Blue Jays, Dodgers, and A’s. He went 151-164 and had a 3.73 ERA.
Back to the beginning